Chemical Engineering Research Articles

Bioinspired Genetic and Chemical Engineering of Protein Hydrogels for Programable Multi‐Responsive Actuation (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 27/2024)

Bioinspired Genetic and Chemical Engineering of Protein Hydrogels for Programable Multi‐Responsive Actuation (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 27/2024)

An ultrasensitive liquid crystal aptasensing chip assisted by three-way junction DNA pockets for acrylamide detection in food samples

Acrylamide, an unsaturated amide found in heat-processed foods, poses serious risks to human health due to its neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity. This highlights the importance of quantitative determination of acrylamide in foods and the environments to ensure public health safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need for simple, rapid, and highly sensitive methods to accurately quantify acrylamide. In the present study, a user-friendly aptasensor was designed to quantify ultra-low levels of acrylamide in nuts for the first time. This innovative approach utilizes chemical engineering of a glass slide as a portable sensing platform, which incorporates liquid crystal (LC) molecules and a three-way junction (TWJ) DNA pocket. The immobilized TWJ pocket can disrupt the vertical alignment of LCs, turning the dark polarized background of the aptasensor to a colorful state. The binding of the specific aptamer to acrylamide disrupts the TWJ structure, enabling the LCs to return to their homotropic alignment. This structural change restores the dark polarized view of the sensing platform. The TWJ-engineered LC aptasensor effectively detects ultra-low concentrations of acrylamide in the range of 0.0005 to 50 fmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.106 amol/L. The aptasensor was successfully applied to real roasted nut samples, including peanut, almond, pistachio, and hazelnut, achieving recovery values ranging from 96.84 % to 99.61 %. With its simplicity, portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, this aptasensor is a powerful sensing device for food safety monitoring.

HANDS-ON FLUIDIZED BED CLASSROOM IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT

In this study we examined the first-time use of a miniaturized fluidized bed module in a chemical engineering classroom. Learning activities were developed to foster learning at the higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy and within the ICAP framework to provide interactive, constructive, and active engagement to promote a deeper understanding of concepts. A hands-on activity facilitated by a desktop-scale fluidized bed and reinforcing printed worksheet materials was deployed within a 50-min class to encourage student engagement. Results from module performance tests compare well to predictions based on theoretical models suggesting this tool can effectively demonstrate fundamental concepts related to pressure loss in a packed bed, minimum fluidization velocity, constant pressure drop in a fluidized bed, bed expansion and repacking below a top screen. Pre- and Posttests 1 and 2 show student learning was significantly improved after pre-homework and the hands-on activity compared to the learning after the lecture alone. Student responses to two open-ended questions on Pre- and Posttests 1 and 2 allowed us to identify persisting student misconceptions about packed and fluidized beds. Suggestions for future work to repair these misconceptions are included in this study. Tweetable AbstractA hands-on fluidized bed learning tool enabling visualization of packed and fluidized beds in a chemical engineering classroom, and associated impacts on conceptual learning and student engagement.

Molecular characterization and chemical engineering of cholesterol oxidase from endophytic bacteria in some medicinal plants

Molecular characterization and chemical engineering of cholesterol oxidase from endophytic bacteria in some medicinal plants

Comparative Study of Energy Consumption Intensity: A Case Study of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (FEI) Versus the Faculty of Chemical Technology (FChT) in the City of Pardubice

Abstract The study’s comparative aspect between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (FEI) and the Faculty of Chemical Technology (FChT) buildings is pivotal for elucidating nuanced differences in energy consumption practices within academic institutions, facilitating targeted energy efficiency measures. The research methodology adopts a comparative case study approach to examine two focal research buildings. Analysis entails computing energy consumption intensity per unit area for both buildings and comparing energy consumption data to identify disparities. The need for understanding energy consumption patterns and improving energy efficiency in academic infrastructure is directly addressed through variables studied in the comparative analysis, including energy consumption comparison, annual and monthly variations, ratio, and intensity. The data indicates that the average heating intensity in the FChT building surpasses that of the FEI building by a factor of 2.3, signifying significant disparities in heating energy consumption trends between the two structures and suggesting potential areas for targeted energy efficiency interventions. Moreover, the average electrical intensity in the FChT building is over 1.7 times higher than in the FEI building. Interestingly, despite the FChT building being 2.6 times larger than the FEI, its intensity does not always correspond with the increase in building area, indicating additional factors influencing energy consumption.

Novel Genes of the Male Reproductive System: Potential Roles in Male Reproduction and as Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive Targets.

The development of novel non-hormonal male contraceptives represents a pivotal frontier in reproductive health, driven by the need for safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive methods. This comprehensive review explores the genetic underpinnings of male fertility, emphasizing the crucial roles of specific genes and structural variants (SVs) identified through advanced sequencing technologies such as long-read sequencing (LRS). LRS has revolutionized the detection of structural variants and complex genomic regions, offering unprecedented precision and resolution over traditional next-generation sequencing (NGS). Key genetic targets, including those implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm motility, are highlighted, showcasing their potential as non-hormonal contraceptive targets. The review delves into the systematic identification and validation of male reproductive tract-specific genes, utilizing advanced transcriptomics and genomics studies with validation using novel knockout mouse models. We discuss the innovative application of small molecule inhibitors, developed through platforms like DNA-encoded chemistry technology (DEC-Tec), which have shown significant promise in preclinical models. Notable examples include inhibitors targeting serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33), soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and bromodomain testis associated (BRDT), each demonstrating nanomolar affinity and potential for reversible and specific inhibition of male fertility. This review also honors the contributions of Dr. David L. Garbers whose foundational work has paved the way for these advancements. The integration of genomic, proteomic, and chemical biology approaches, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration, is poised to transform male contraceptive development. Future perspectives emphasize the need for continued innovation and rigorous testing to bring these novel contraceptives from the laboratory to clinical application, promising a new era of male reproductive health management.

Green chemistry in manufacturing: Innovations in reducing environmental impact

Green chemistry has emerged as a transformative approach in reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of how green chemistry principles are applied in various manufacturing sectors to minimize hazardous waste and energy consumption. The paper begins by outlining the core principles of green chemistry, highlighting their relevance to sustainable industrial practices. Key innovations in chemical engineering are discussed, focusing on waste reduction, energy-efficient processes, and the use of renewable raw materials. Through detailed case studies in the pharmaceutical, textile, and automotive industries, the paper demonstrates how the adoption of green chemistry has significantly reduced the environmental footprint of these sectors. The review also explores the challenges industries face in implementing green chemistry and the future direction of this field, emphasizing the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in driving further innovation. The findings suggest that while progress has been made, there are substantial opportunities for growth, especially in expanding the use of green chemistry across diverse industries. This paper concludes with recommendations for continued research and broader adoption of green chemistry to promote sustainable manufacturing.

The origin of interparticle aggregation: Probing the long-range hydrophobic forces between particles induced by nanobubbles in aqueous solutions

The processes of particle–particle collision, adhesion, and detachment are omnipresent in the solid particle separation and purification processes. Nanobubbles, serving as a critical medium for interactions between particles, play a pivotal role in numerous fields of separation and purification such as mineral flotation, hydrometallurgy, chemical engineering, materials, and more. The elucidation of the principles governing nanobubbles’ involvement in interparticle interactions holds significant implications for enhancing and controlling separation and purification processes. The impact of nanobubbles on interparticle interactions between calcite particles was investigated in this study by measuring the forces between particles with and without nanobubbles and analysing them using DLVO and EDLVO theories. The experimental results demonstrate the occurrence of long-range attractive forces and significant adhesion between particles in the presence of nanobubbles under natural pH and ultrapure water conditions, phenomena that cannot be explained by classical DLVO theory. The generation of long-range hydrophobic attraction at the particle interface due to nanobubbles was confirmed through further EDLVO calculations and modifications, enhancing the stability of particle flocculation. Additionally, for the first time, the entire process from contact to detachment between the “particle-nanobubble” system in atomic force microscopy (AFM) simulations was described by combining experimental force curves with stepwise graphical interpretation. This approach provides valuable guidance for the analysis of bubble and soft matter interactions under AFM. The results of this study indicate that nanobubbles can indirectly alter the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of particles, increasing the probability of particle adhesion and reducing the probability of desorption, thereby enhancing the stability of particle flocculation.

Research Progress of Printing and Dyeing Wastewater Treatment

In the textile industry, printing and dyeing technology, as an essential technical basis, produces a lot of printing and dyeing wastewater (PDW) that jeopardizes the ecological environment and human health. PDW generally has the characteristics of large discharge, high chromaticity, strong toxicity, strong alkalinity, complex componentization, poor biodegradability, large fluctuations in water quality and quality, and high content of organic pollutants, belonging to the type of industrial wastewater that is difficult to manage. In this paper, the current research progress of PDW treatment technology from the aspects of physical technology, chemical technology, and biological technology are reviewed. In addition, measures to reduce the damage caused by printing and dyeing wastewater from three perspectives: treatment principle, processes, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed, which provides a reference point for the treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater. It is worth noting that the article reviews the ABS system, which is gaining attention as an emerging technology under biological technology. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference basis for the selection and application of technology, and then promote the innovation and development of printing and dyeing wastewater treatment technology.

Patterned 3D-graphene for self-powered broadband photodetector

The remarkable ultra-wideband energy capabilities of zero-bandgap two-dimensional (2D) graphene have made it an outstanding material for photon absorption and charge carrier generation across a broad spectrum. However, atomically thick 2D-graphene only exhibits a light absorption efficiency of 2.3%, posing a challenge for graphene-based photodetectors to harness photon energy effectively. This study utilized plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technology and a mask to create in situ patterned 3D-graphene/Si-based Schottky heterojunctions. The porous structure and natural nano-resonant cavities of the 3D-graphene enhanced the probability of light absorption, while the curved and sharp edges and corners of the patterned 3D-graphene concentrated the local electromagnetic field and induced localized surface plasmon resonance. Both theoretical and experimental analyses confirmed the improved light absorption mechanisms and charge transfer of photogenerated carriers under the built-in electric field. The photodetector based on the patterned 3D-graphene/Si Schottky structure exhibits excellent broadband response characteristics spanning from 380 to 1550 nm, with responsivity and specific detectivity of 68.47 A/W and 1.43 × 1012 Jones at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Furthermore, the photodetector demonstrated ultrafast microsecond-level response times (116/120 μs rise/fall times) along with exceptional stability and reliability. The potential applications of as-fabricated photodetector include logic devices such as “AND” and “OR” gates and information encryption. This research holds valuable scientific significance for the design of future optoelectronic devices and provides crucial insights and technical support for developing high-performance Si-based graphene detectors.

Understanding metabolic diversification in plants: branchpoints in the evolution of specialized metabolism.

Plants are chemical engineers par excellence. Collectively they make a vast array of structurally diverse specialized metabolites. The raw materials for building new pathways (genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes) are commonly recruited directly or indirectly from primary metabolism. Little is known about how new metabolic pathways and networks evolve in plants, or what key nodes contribute to branches that lead to the biosynthesis of diverse chemicals. Here we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of biosynthetic branchpoints. We also consider examples in which new metabolites are formed through the joining of precursor molecules arising from different biosynthetic routes, a scenario that greatly increases both the diversity and complexity of specialized metabolism. Given the emerging importance of metabolic gene clustering in helping to identify new enzymes and pathways, we further cover the significance of biosynthetic gene clusters in relation to metabolic networks and dedicated biosynthetic pathways. In conclusion, an improved understanding of the branchpoints between metabolic pathways will be key in order to be able to predict and illustrate the complex structure of metabolic networks and to better understand the plasticity of plant metabolism. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of plant metabolism'.

Technological Profile of Microreactor Based on Patent Analysis

AbstractSince the concept of microreactor was first proposed in the 1980s, it has been entering the chemistry and chemical engineering fields at a high speed and is favored by both scientific and commercial fields. The development of microreactors has been extensively studied in the literature, but less analysis has been carried out from the perspective of industrial technology. This paper aims to identify, analyze, and map the technological profile of microreactors from the perspective of patents. Based on the text mining techniques, a quantitative analysis of 16,327 microreactor‐related patents in the Derwent Innovations Index database was conducted. The analysis reveals a consistent annual increase in the number of microreactor‐related patents from 1982 to 2021. Specifically, China emerges as the leading country in terms of patent disclosures, whereas the United States and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) play a crucial role in knowledge transfer. Moreover, this study identifies the technological evolution path for microreactors and analyzes in detail the key patents along this evolution path. Individuation, modularization, and greening are the developing directions of microreactor technology in the future. This research offers valuable guidance for researchers and industry professionals in decision‐making and driving advancements in microreactor technology.

Model-optimization-guided neural network (MOGNN) applied to chemical processes

In this work, a Model-Optimization-guided Neural Network (MOGNN) is proposed to optimize chemical processes. The model is trained with pre-selected process data, resulting from optimization of engineering models described by systems of algebraic equations. MOGNN aims to predict the optimal operating points for a range of input variables. The models were simulated in the Unisim-Design® process simulator for training data generation and optimized in Python using the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. The resulting models were applied to optimize two chemical engineering cases. The results showed that the computational cost of optimization corresponded to 0.83 % and 2.12 %, respectively, about the simulation cost for a given input dataset. Also, both processes revealed good alignment between the predicted profiles and the simulator data, while their respective objective function profiles yielded an average improvement of 9.61 % and 18.83 % for the two examples.

FORECASTING AND OPTIMIZATION OF CATALYTIC CRACKING UNIT OPERATION UNDER CONDITIONS OF FUZZY INFORMATION

This paper discusses the application of nonlinear regression to forecast and optimize the operation of catalytic cracking units under conditions of fuzzy information. Catalytic cracking is a crucial process in oil refining that produces high-quality gasoline and other light hydrocarbon products. However, the complexity of the process and the uncertainty of initial data complicate the modeling and optimization of plant operations. To address this issue, a nonlinear regression method is proposed that accommodates the fuzziness of input and output parameters described by linguistic variables. The methodology includes the collection and formalization of expert knowledge, the construction of fuzzy models, and their integration into the process control system. Forecasting is performed by creating regression models that describe the relationships between operational parameters and product quality characteristics. The paper presents a procedure for developing and applying nonlinear regression models, describes algorithms for synthesizing linguistic models, and provides examples of their use to optimize the operation of catalytic cracking units. The modeling results demonstrate the high adequacy and accuracy of the proposed method, as well as its advantages over traditional approaches in conditions of uncertainty and data scarcity. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development and testing of advanced nonlinear regression models adapted for analyzing and optimizing catalytic cracking processes based on fuzzy data. These methods take into account the specificity and uncertainty of process data, improving the accuracy and reliability of forecasts, which facilitates more effective management of production processes in the petrochemical industry. The main reason for conducting this study is the need to improve the control of oil refining processes, particularly catalytic cracking, which plays an important role in producing high-quality gasoline. The complexity of this process and the presence of fuzzy information caused by fuzzy initial data require the development of new modeling and optimization methods. Existing traditional models based on deterministic methods are often insufficient under uncertainty. This leads to a decrease in the accuracy of process control, which can negatively affect the quality of the final product and production efficiency. The use of nonlinear regression in combination with fuzzy logic is a more flexible and adaptive approach that allows you to take into account the fuzziness and uncertainty of data and use expert knowledge to build models that match the actual operating conditions of the units. Thus, this study aims to solve the key problems associated with data uncertainty and the complexity of the catalytic cracking process, which will improve the accuracy of forecasting and optimization of the units. The main contribution is creating a model that uses nonlinear regression methods in combination with fuzzy logic. This allows uncertainty in input data (such as reactor temperature or pressure) to be effectively considered and processed to improve gasoline and other product yield forecasts. It is shown that using nonlinear regression combined with fuzzy logic significantly improves the management of technological processes, increases the output and quality of products, and reduces production costs. The conclusion of the paper discusses the prospects for further development of the methodology and its application to solve similar tasks in other areas of chemical technology.

OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM FOR PROPYLENE GLYCOL PRODUCTION

Currently, in the rapid development era of new technologies and in order to increase the economic efficiency of production, more and more attention is paid to the current automation, control, and optimization problems of technological processes in the oil refining, petrochemical, and chemical industries [1-11]. It is known that the production of commercial propylene glycol is one of the most important industries in modern chemical technology. Propylene glycol can act as one of the components in the obtaining drug's process. In addition, it is used for lubrication and preservation of food packaging machines, is used as a plasticizer in the production of cellophane and polyvinyl chloride films, as a solvent for natural and synthetic substances in the preparation of ointments, pastes, creams, shampoos, etc., in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, in the food industry as a solvent for food additives and a tobacco humectant, etc. Based on the relevance of the above, this article, based on a comprehensive study of the features of the chemical-technological process for obtaining propylene glycol, in particular, the chemical reaction of obtaining commercial propylene glycol in one of the main apparatuses for the studied block - the hydrator, a physically substantiated mathematical statement of the optimal control problem of this apparatus is formulated. The optimal control problem of the studied technological apparatus is reduced to obtaining the maximum amount of the target product, considering the restrictions imposed on the control parameters. It is established that by its nature and specificity, it is a nonlinear programming problem, for the solution of which in the presented article an algorithm for optimizing the modes of the technological process is proposed, based on the use of the Lagrange multiplier method. An analysis of the results for solving the optimal control problem of the obtaining propylene glycol process showed that when maintaining the optimal values of the control parameters obtained by us, the amount of propylene glycol obtained increases by 3.5% compared to the actual amount. Keywords: technological process, commercial propylene glycol, optimal control problem, control parameters, Lagrange multiplier method, technological apparatus.

Synthesis of β-Silyl Amines via Merging Photoinduced Energy and Hydrogen Atom Transfer in Flow.

The development of efficient methods for synthesizing β-silyl amines has long been a significant goal in organic synthesis. Previous methods mainly relied on the use of prefunctionalized substrates or special reagents. Herein, we present a visible-light-promoted synthesis approach for β-silyl amines, utilizing a combination of photoinduced energy and hydrogen atom transfer processes. Using flow chemistry technology, a variety of valuable skeletons, including β-silyl amines and α-amino esters, can be produced from readily available feedstocks such as hydrosilanes and simple alkanes. Moreover, the strategy's full-process fluidized production capability highlights its potential for industrial-scale manufacturing. Mechanistic studies revealed that oxime esters can act as radical precursors as well as hydrogen atom transfer reagents.

Application of ferromagnetic materials for technological processes thermal regime stabilization (Review)

The research focuses on the technological and auxiliary equipment used in various industries that require maintaining a specific narrow temperature range. The study aims to critically analyze the potential use of structural elements made of ferromagnetic materials with a second-kind phase transition temperature (Curie temperature or Curie point) in high-performance, knowledge-intensive industries, particularly the chemical industry. These materials correspond to the required temperature of the processed or transported liquid or loose medium. The technological processes using the magnetothermal effect and the corresponding designs of equipment are considered: heat exchange, heat and mass exchange, mechanical and hydromechanical, equipment for processing thermoplastics, as well as other devices used in various branches of industry, in particular chemical, food and microbiological, in thermal energy, metallurgy, agriculture, medicine and construction. It is shown that the specified method of ensuring the required thermal regime is suitable for use primarily in large-tonnage continuous production. As the conducted studies have shown, the proposed approach to stabilizing the heat flow of various technological and auxiliary equipment is effective and quite promising. The indisputable advantage of the corresponding method is to ensure a certain temperature of the working parts of the equipment with high accuracy, however, this method is quite difficult to implement on the existing equipment, which is mostly made of magnetic materials (steel, cast iron). Therefore, to implement the proposed method in practice, it is necessary to develop new equipment designs or to subject existing samples to deep modernization. At the same time, there may be difficulties associated with the search for existing or the creation of new ferromagnetic materials with the required thermomagnetic properties for the manufacture of appropriate structural elements of technological and auxiliary equipment. However, in certain cases, the proposed method of maintaining the specified temperature of the processed media may become the most appropriate (primarily in fine chemical technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, precision instrument manufacturing, microelectronics, and medicine).

2023 in Retrospective: Trends in Chemical Engineering

2023 in Retrospective: Trends in Chemical Engineering

Research on Coal Mine Environmental Pollution Management and Ecological Restoration Technology

This paper analyses the current situation of environmental pollution in coal mines, its causes, and its impact on the ecological environment, and systematically researches the management of environmental pollution in coal mines and ecological restoration technology. The paper analyses the main categories of coal mine environmental pollution, including water pollution, air pollution, and solid waste pollution, and discusses the causes of these pollution and their destructive effects on the ecological environment. Immediately after that, the article elaborates on the treatment technologies of coal mine environmental pollution, including physical, chemical and biological treatment technologies for water pollution control, blocking, adsorption and covering technologies for air pollution control, and landfill, incineration and resource utilization strategies for solid waste disposal. This paper also discusses coal mine ecological restoration techniques, including species selection and allocation for vegetation restoration, vegetation restoration models, physical, chemical and biological methods for soil improvement, and engineering, vegetation and agricultural measures for soil and water conservation. Through the research of this paper, the researchers aim to provide scientific basis and technical support for the management of coal mine environmental pollution and ecological restoration and to promote the restoration of the ecological environment in mining areas and the sustainable development of the coal industry.

Sequential Chemical and Biological Desulphurization of High Sulfur Containing Pakistani Coal

Coal is a rich and affordable source of energy that is extensively used for different industrial purposes. However, its extensive utilization have caused a number of environmental problems. Especially, the release of different oxides of sulfur during combustion have resulted in the ongoing acid rain and global warming issues. To tackle the issue, sequential chemical and biological technologies were applied for the desulfurization of a coal sample, collected from Shahrag coal mines, in Baluchistan, Pakistan. The coal was initially de-pyritized with a 15% nitric acid (HNO3) solution. The chemically treated coal was subsequently biodesulfurized with iron oxide (Fe3O4) coated bacterial consortium IQMJ-5. The de-pyritized and biodesulfurized coal was analyzed with proximate, ultimate, FTIR, XRD, and EDX analysis. The calorific value was determined through an oxygen bomb analyzer. Following desulfurization, about 61% organic sulfur and 86.57% total sulfur were removed from the coal sample. Similarly, an increase of about 93 kcal/kg in the calorific value was detected after the treatment. These results clearly depicts the potentiality of the technology for the desulfurization of fossil fuels at the industrial scale.